You can enlarge any of the pictures by clicking on them.
McCombs Family Party
November 23, 2013
Occasionally I get the joy of painting my own family and friends. We had a family party on Saturday with cousins I hadn't seen in years! It was so much fun to get to see everyone's kids and how they have matured. or not, as parents. I loved the variety and individuality of each request.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Face Painting
October 20-27, 2013
When my friend Laura told me about painting on a cruise ship, I was skeptical. "Wait, so you hardly pay anything to go on the cruise for 2 people, and you just have to face paint while you're on the boat?" SIGN ME UP!
I don't know what I was thinking when I chose the second to last week in October. One of a face painters busiest months, not to mention my Marriott party to plan, Halloween costumes for kids and mine and my hubby's anniversary. Not taking all those things into account, I was really excited to get to have our first vacation without kids. We booked a 7 day trip to the Western Caribbean - which stopped in Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico.
When I arrived on the cruise ship, I had a welcome letter from one of the activity managers, Hayley. I was scheduled for 6 - 2 hour sessions during the three days that we were at sea and a 30 minute demonstration.
It was a little hard to plan my days at sea when I had 4 hours of face painting smack dab in the middle of the day, so most our stuff was planned at ports. It was so hot and humid, although that did make glitter stick to the paint like gangbusters! I got to meet so many different kids on people, a lot of whom spoke little or no English.
There were a lot of kids who kept coming back each day to get painted, picking a new design each time. I learned a lot about myself and about face painting. I also learned that that smile they have in the mirror when they see their face painted, is amazing regardless of what language they speak.
I don't know what I was thinking when I chose the second to last week in October. One of a face painters busiest months, not to mention my Marriott party to plan, Halloween costumes for kids and mine and my hubby's anniversary. Not taking all those things into account, I was really excited to get to have our first vacation without kids. We booked a 7 day trip to the Western Caribbean - which stopped in Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico.
When I arrived on the cruise ship, I had a welcome letter from one of the activity managers, Hayley. I was scheduled for 6 - 2 hour sessions during the three days that we were at sea and a 30 minute demonstration.
It was a little hard to plan my days at sea when I had 4 hours of face painting smack dab in the middle of the day, so most our stuff was planned at ports. It was so hot and humid, although that did make glitter stick to the paint like gangbusters! I got to meet so many different kids on people, a lot of whom spoke little or no English.
There were a lot of kids who kept coming back each day to get painted, picking a new design each time. I learned a lot about myself and about face painting. I also learned that that smile they have in the mirror when they see their face painted, is amazing regardless of what language they speak.
Pineview Vacation
August 21, 2013
I was smart enough to bring my paints with my to our family getaway this year and lucky enough that my nephews and nieces absolutely loved it. Every time I painted a kid, my niece Rosie came up
wanting another one.
All her parents could say was "NEVER EVER tell her about tattoos!" :)
Did I mention how lucky I am that my parents are photographers?
wanting another one.
All her parents could say was "NEVER EVER tell her about tattoos!" :)
Did I mention how lucky I am that my parents are photographers?
SLC Downtown Farmer's Market
Presley's Birthday Party
Rose's Birthday Party
UV Face Painting
August 17, 2013
Pony Birthday Party/Rocky Mountain Raceway Anniversary Party
July 13, 2013
Saturday was one of my busiest days so far this whole year. 4 1/2 hours at the SLC Downtown Farmer's Market, a Pony Birthday Party and an Anniversary Party for Rocky Mountain Raceway.
The cute little boy with the snake was very specific in what he wanted. A coral snake, whose stripes when red, yellow, black. He was so excited when it was done but was also checking the stripes for accuracy in the mirror.
So glad that I was in a tent at the Rocky Mountain Raceways for the impromptu downpour halfway through the event. I kept right on painting. This dad got a doughnut and his wife a cupcake so that they could both get "something sweet." I LOVE how the cotton candy one turned out and will definitely be adding it to my board.
The last photo was one of my most random requests to date. A spider with eyelashes (you've gotta love kids' creativity), I was stumped for a second, picturing an Isma (Emperor's New Groove) type deal, but with some eye shadow I think it turned out super cute. :)
The cute little boy with the snake was very specific in what he wanted. A coral snake, whose stripes when red, yellow, black. He was so excited when it was done but was also checking the stripes for accuracy in the mirror.
So glad that I was in a tent at the Rocky Mountain Raceways for the impromptu downpour halfway through the event. I kept right on painting. This dad got a doughnut and his wife a cupcake so that they could both get "something sweet." I LOVE how the cotton candy one turned out and will definitely be adding it to my board.
The last photo was one of my most random requests to date. A spider with eyelashes (you've gotta love kids' creativity), I was stumped for a second, picturing an Isma (Emperor's New Groove) type deal, but with some eye shadow I think it turned out super cute. :)
Emery's Birthday Party
July 7, 2013
Mei's Birthday Party & Autumn's 5th Birthday
June 22, 2013
Heber Family Reunion
June 8, 2013
I had such an amazing time at this reunion. They sat me right next to a babbling stream and the kids and adults were all excited to get painted. My only regret was that I didn't get more pictures. I missed taking a photo of my tribal butterfly, or my spiderman butterfly. Next time. We had to convince this Dad to keep with the theme for his family. What a nice guy to get a Narwhal just to make the wife happy. If you can't see it, the baby has a little fish on his cheek. :)
Ada's 6th Birthday Party
May 31, 2013
I was so lucky to get to paint for Ada's birthday party. So many cute kids, each wanting something different, although I did paint a few birthday cakes, unicorns and dragons. The kids were so cute, crowding around me to watch what I was painting. It's like magic, so mesmerizing to watch a face come to life with paint. Ada's Mom sent me home with the most delicious cupcake, and some great photos of all the birthdays guests.
Mountainville Academy & St. Anne's Catholic School
May 24, 2013
I've painted lots of schools in my years of face painting, but I'd never painted for Kindergartens. Then I had two on the same day. My first one was in Alpine at the Mountainville Academy. They had lots of different activities for the kids' field day. Games, treats and of course, face painting. I was able to paint around 30 kids in a hour, plus some of the little brothers and sisters that had come with the kids' moms.
My second event was in Salt Lake at St. Anne's Catholic School. It used to be an orphanage back in the 1800's and was then converted into a school. It's an amazing old building! I got hired to paint for a birthday party, that the Mom had arranged for the whole class to celebrate for her son's birthday. She brought pizza, doughnuts and me, the whole shebang. The kids absolutely loved it! I had a great day and I'm looking forward to my next foray into Kindergarten.
My second event was in Salt Lake at St. Anne's Catholic School. It used to be an orphanage back in the 1800's and was then converted into a school. It's an amazing old building! I got hired to paint for a birthday party, that the Mom had arranged for the whole class to celebrate for her son's birthday. She brought pizza, doughnuts and me, the whole shebang. The kids absolutely loved it! I had a great day and I'm looking forward to my next foray into Kindergarten.
Marriott Zombie Prom
May 2, 2013
Every year my work has an Associate Appreciation Week. This year our theme was "Back 2 School."
Tuesday was Elementary School complete with Activity Centers like finger painting, play-doh and microscopes for the Science Center.
Wednesday was Junior High with candy bars for lunch and Detention where you could write on the desks, and send notes to your friends.
Thursday was High School. We had all the teams at work submit a theme for prom and Zombie Prom won.
All my Recognition Task Force Members dressed as zombies, complete with makeup and prom dresses. We bought a couple dresses from the DI for other employees to wear. The pictures turned out amazing and everyone had so much fun!! Definitely the highlight of the week. :)
Tuesday was Elementary School complete with Activity Centers like finger painting, play-doh and microscopes for the Science Center.
Wednesday was Junior High with candy bars for lunch and Detention where you could write on the desks, and send notes to your friends.
Thursday was High School. We had all the teams at work submit a theme for prom and Zombie Prom won.
All my Recognition Task Force Members dressed as zombies, complete with makeup and prom dresses. We bought a couple dresses from the DI for other employees to wear. The pictures turned out amazing and everyone had so much fun!! Definitely the highlight of the week. :)
Ogden Nature Center Earth Day Celebration
April 18-20, 2013
I was so excited to be able to be featured on Channel 2 and Fox 13 News for my face painting at the Ogden Nature Center for their Earth Day Celebration. Big Budah was so great and let me get some major air time. The kids were so cute and so imaginative. I painted my first raccoon and my first octopus. Even though it was ridiculously rainy the day of the celebration, it cleared up towards the end and my line attendants, Jodi and Allie, were super cute and very helpful. I had a great time!
UTA N. Temple Trax Opening Celebration
April 13, 2013
I was lucky enough to get to paint for the opening of the N. Temple Trax line. We were at the Fairgrounds, which had so many fun things for kids. Sammie T. Clown was there being silly and making amazing balloon animals. They had goats, a little calf, bunnies and a sheep to pet. They had Christopher the magician, who was wonderful, and had all the kids and parents doing double takes. They had Funnel Cakes, a bounce house and a huge slide. All the kids had a great time, and even though it was cold and windy that didn't stop people from coming out for all the fun.
April Events
April 2013
Utah/Idaho Face Painters Association Jam
March 7, 2013
Brave Themed Birthday PArty
February 24, 2013
Tribals Workshop
February 21, 2013
I was lucky enough to get to attend a workshop by the illustrious Pashur & Jay Bautista! I can't believe the improvement that I saw in my tribal designs immediately!! Plus I got to see all my favorite face painting people! All in all, it was a great day!!
Idaho/Utah Jam
February 12, 2013
I am so lucky to have such a great face painting community in Utah and Idaho. We all get along fabulously, and they've become some of my best friends! We took a road trip to Idaho and painted, painted, painted! Below are some of the faces that were painted by all of us. We had a great time, and I love those girls even more now!
Dillon's 6th Birthday Party
January 27, 2013
This was my first event of the year and I was SO ready for it! I know that the Joker doesn't look like much, but I was amazed of what I was able to remember of the "Comic Book Joker" just from memory. All the stuff was super fun, and the Superhero theme was awesome!! It was my first event where I didn't have a binder, and I got to try so many new things. Ironman, Pink Spidergirl, Shrek . . it was really fun!
Boart Longyear Holiday Party
December 2, 2013
Halloween 2012
I have had so much fun this Halloween Season. I got to try so many new and strange things. I was actually excited that I didn't have that many events, so that I could enjoy the face painting that I did do. Plus, it's always so much fun to paint friends!
Ana's Daughter's 1st Birthday
September 15, 2012
Oakridge Elementary Carnival
& Daniel's 1st Birthday
September 7-8, 2012
I had so much fun at the Oakridge Fundraiser Carnival. All the kids were stinkin cute, and it was great to see the parents so involved. Daniel's 1st Birthday was a blast, I think each kid had 3-4 face paintings on faces, arms and hands by the time I was done.
Kennecott - This is the Place Park
August 21, 2012
First event where I've seen so many face painters in one spot. There were 20 of us, and we were still busy! A cute little butterfly I painted on my friend, Athena Stovall. A boy asked me to paint a logo from Minecraft, it took me about 15 minutes, but I like how it turned out, would have been much easier with a square sponge, rather than a brush.
Red Zone Grand Opening - Jordan Landing
August 15, 2012
I was lucky enough to get to paint for the Grand Opening of the Red Zone store at Jordan Landing. The line wound from the door of the store, all the way down the courtyard, and back up the other side. I painted a ton of "U" on people's faces, and one lonely "Y". I also got to meet Swoop, and he swept me off my feet!
Eli's 1st Birthday
July 28, 2012
West Valley Target Grand Opening
July 24, 2012
Union Park Towne Storage/4th of July
June 23, 2012
Preschool Graduation
June 8, 2012
West Jordan Towne Storage
May 19, 2012
I was able to do a lot of custom designs today which I love. I had a great time, and everyone was so super nice!
South Jordan Towne Storage/ Aspen Birthday
May 12, 2012
These are some photos from 2 of the 3 events that I had this day. I love doing custom designs and I got lots of chances to do my stuff! The last one is a design I painted on myself to match my shirt, but I didn't get to finish it.
Isabella's Birthday Party
May 5, 2012
Isabella's Mom, SIlvia, is one of my favorite clients! She's booked me at least 3 or 4 times over the years, and I absolutely love painting faces for her. Her daughter is a huge Monster High fan, so I came with a whole sheet of Monster High designs. The cobra at the end took me about 25 minutes, I painted it from a design on a phone. I really could have spent another 25 minutes and it would have been killer, but we ran out of time.
Siemen's Convention Party
April 22, 2012
Me and my good friend Denise Cold just painting it up!
Dimitri's 3rd Birthday
April 21, 2012
6th Birthday Party
April 6
Sunny's Birthday
March 17, 2012
6th Birthday Party
February 3, 2012
Werewolf
So this was my first attempt at a werewolf. The nose was a prosthetic, which I've never worked with before. We had to erase and start over a couple of times, but it turned out all right.
I think that grey would have worked out better as a base color, but we had to do brown to match the hair and his hands.
Red Riding Hood
Kristy Merrill Photography
So I wanted to do Little Red Riding Hood, but not the prissy one in a dress. I was a "Post-Apocolyptic Werewolf Hunting LIttle Red Riding Hood."
I used Rigid Collodion for my scaring, and it worked out perfectly. I absolutely love the puckering effect that made this look so real!!
Werewolf Hunter
My son was a werewolf hunter and his makeup was the easiest and turned out the best. I'd never tried bruising before, but it turned out amazing!!
Sugar Skull
Kristy Merrill Photography
My amazing friend Sara was having a Dia de los Muertos party at her bar for Latin Night.
She graciously asked me to do her makeup and I was so happy to do it. I'd never done a sugar skull before and there were so many beautiful examples online. Sara and I talked about which aspects she liked and came up with the sketch below.
I would have loved to have taken more time, but my Mom was watching my munchkins so I couldn't take as much time as I liked. Still I think it turned out awesome!! I am so happy with the results and can't wait for my next one!!
Snow Princess
This super sweet little girl Clara, came over and we made her into a Snow Princess. She had the cutest little white and silver dress, and I'm sure she made a beautiful princess.
Avatar
My friend Camilla asked me to make her the chick from Avatar. I was excited for the challenge.
Halloween Mask
I was feeling a little left out on Halloween, but I didn't want to put on my whole costume. I came up with this mask and it was perfect for Trick or Treating.
Anaushka's 8th Birthday Party
September 24, 2011
Mayne Family Reunion
September 18, 2011
Utah Valley University Family Fun Fair
September 10, 2011
Tavian's 5th Birthday
August 27, 2011
Week of August 20
Since I had 3 events this week and didn't get a lot of pictures I figured that I'd post them all together. The Glitter Tattoos are from the Vinegate Apartment Tenant party, the A Kids Place Dentistry customer appreciation party. The last one is from a 1st Birthday Party. Enjoy!
Alexander's Birthday
July 23, 2011
Overlook Apartments
July 22, 2011
Laynie's 1st Birthday
July 16, 2011
Thompson 1st Birthday Party
July 9, 2011
25th Ward 4th of July Breakfast
July 4, 2011
Katherine Ann Court Block Party
July 2, 2011
Gabriela's 1st Birthday
June 25, 2011
Nicoloff Fundraiser
May 14, 2011
Webster Birthday Party
May 7, 2011
Trina's Daughter's Birthday
April 23, 2011
Gessel Birthday Party
March 28, 2011
Grandma threw this birthday party for her granddaughter. She was quite a trooper through the Bingo game, pinata and screaming girls. I got to do quite a few designs I haven't done in awhile, and I had a great time. I also got to try my hand at a rose for the first time.
Thompson Baptism Party
March 19, 2011
This was my first baptism face painting. Directly after the baptism, all the friends, family and fellow church members came into the Cultural Hall for a huge hootenanny. There was a DJ, Wii dance games, kid games with LIVE goldfish prizes and great food. I ended up painting around 35 faces and I had a great time.
Skye's Hannah Montana Extravaganza
March 12, 2011
Skye's Mom did such a wonderful job decorating their complex's clubhouse into a Hannah Montana wonderland. Miley Cyrus was everywhere. Her music was playing, she was confetti on the table and even showed up at the end of the party to serenade the girls. It was a really fun party and you could tell all the girls had a great time!
Garcia Party
March 5, 2011
I had so much fun at this Birthday Party. I got to do a lot of new designs, some old favorites and everyone was so nice. I'm thinking I need to expand my portfolio and add a lot more designs. Stay tuned . . .
Fifita Birthday Party
January 15, 2011
My first face painting gig of 2011 was busy and will hopefully set the scene for the rest of the year! I walked into the LDS Cultural Hall and was taken aback by the huge inflatable slide and Spongebob Bounce House. Of all the years and all the times I've been in a Cultural Hall, seeing Giant blown up monsters of fun was definitely a first! The decorations included an Elmo Pinata, Elmo Balloons, Elmo cupcakes, an Elmo cake, and half the people that showed up were decked out in your favorite red furry monster. Can you guess what the theme was?
I was only planning on doing a couple hours, but there were so many children, and adults :), that wanted to get their faces painted that I ended up staying for 3 hours just to make sure that I got the majority of those who wanted to get painted. I got to try my hand at a really cool Leopard Print Eye Design that was a hit! Everyone had so much fun and there were so many ADORABLE kids! What a great way to start 2011!
I was only planning on doing a couple hours, but there were so many children, and adults :), that wanted to get their faces painted that I ended up staying for 3 hours just to make sure that I got the majority of those who wanted to get painted. I got to try my hand at a really cool Leopard Print Eye Design that was a hit! Everyone had so much fun and there were so many ADORABLE kids! What a great way to start 2011!
Sky High Travel Holiday Party
December 16, 2010
Wheeler Farm was pretty deserted when I showed up on a December evening. As soon as I walked into the Main Barn, I felt Christmas. The room was all decked out in red and green and it felt like a perfect rustic Christmas. I had a steady stream for most of the night. One little boy reminded my of my Asher and I had to smile the whole time I was painting him because their mannerisms were so alike. It made my day. There was a guy who had waited to get his face painted, but by the end I ran out of time. I told him that I would paint him, but after seeing how much his younger brother wanted a scorpion, he gave his spot to his brother. Well, after such a sweet thing, I had to paint the older brother as well. What is Christmas about after all?
Rhyan's 8th Birthday
December 4, 2010
Rhyan and her friends played Red Queen and Capture the Crown while I face painted. It was so cute hearing the girls playing with their imaginations. I'm excited for when my kids get to that stage. All the girls were so sweet and nice and Rhyan's sisters were so cute. Her youngest sister kept asking for more designs as I was already painting one, so she ended up with about 4 different designs woven together, unfortunately I didn't get a picture. I also got to do two designs that I hadn't done before a half vampire/half werewolf, and Batgirl.
Live, Laugh, Breathe Fundraiser
July 17, 2010
Ryan and Kendra were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Makenzie. Just 6 months later Makenzie was taken from them after a long battle with SMARD (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress). This amazing couple wanted to make sure that Makenzie's life wasn't forgotten and have dedicated time, effort and tears to make sure that this event helped raise money for this disease. There were so many people there, and I couldn't count the number of family members that came up and told me their relation to Makenzie. It was awe-inspiring to see so many come out and support not only this disease but this wonderful couple. Their goal was $10,000 and Kendra told me that they were able to surpass their goal. I'm just glad that I was able to help.
Fairy Tea Party
June 19, 2010
One of the most amazing parties I've been to! Katharina throws an annual Fairy Tea Party in her backyard. She invites all the neighborhood and family girls and it's a full blown fairy fiasco. She has several crafts that the girls and their Mom's can do, as well as delicious food and gifts for every girl. She had around 50 fairies prancing around the party in glitter, bright colors and fairy wings. Everyone had a great time and I heard so many Moms say that their girls look forward to this every year. I hope that I'm asked to come back because it was a blast!
Kennedi's 5th Birthday
May 15, 2010
Kennedi is a very cute and energetic five year old. Kennedi's Mom did a great job making sure that there were plenty of games and fun things for the kids to do. No boredom for this party! I probably painted around 20+ kids, and I got to try to some new designs that I'd never done before. All the kids looked wonderful in their decked out face paint!
New Moon DVD Release
March 19, 2010
I had so much fun last night! My sister, Ashley came with me as my second face painter and we had a blast. There weren't as many people as I thought, but that turned out to be better as we had a steady stream and not an angry mob. There was a group of 3 girls who kept coming back over and over to get pretty much every design that we had. I think by the end of the night they each sported at least 5 designs on cheeks, arms and foreheads. The highlight of the night was when two older ladies who ran to Wal-Mart to get batteries decided to get the smiley fang with a bite me underneath. They were as giggly as school girls, but were definitely good sports. I had a lot of Jacobs and not too many Edwards. It was fun watching the Moms' of the little girls convince them to get the Mom's favorite hottie on their cheek. It was a great night and I'm already looking forward to the next Twilight DVD Release.
CMN Torch Relay
November 5, 2009
Today I was able to help plan and participate in the Torch Relay for Children's Miracle Network. We had over 400 participants in the 5k, and even more show up at the finish line to support them. All the money we raised will go toward Primary Children's Medical Center here in Salt Lake. They have a huge Torch Relay team that travels from location to location setting everything up and doing an amazing job. I was overwhelmed by the participation, donations, and help that we got from countless businesses. Even in these hard economic times, it was wonderful to see everyone pull together for a great cause.
